Solar Panels Cost 13k-22k in Auburn, WA | September, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $13k-$22k in Auburn, WA | September, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Auburn, WA in 2024?

The typical price per watt of solar panel systems in Auburn, WA in September, 2024 is $3.25/W.

This means that, solar panel installations will cost you approximately, on average, $3,250 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of generation capacity. A 5 kW solar panel install in Auburn will generally cost you $11,375 after applying the 30% federal tax credit. To fulfill your energy needs, you could require more than a 5kW system.

On the left-hand side, pick your county to determine the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes within your area. Find below a full analysis of the {price|costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Auburn: $11,375US Average: $12,598
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Auburn: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Auburn: $12,855US Average: $15,732

Solar Potential in Auburn

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Auburn.

Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 8.8kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Auburn, WA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

Auburn residents typically have an average monthly electric bill of $121.27 per month, with a typical consumption of 870 kWh. Smaller dwellings, such as townhouses and condos, are also encompassed in the numbers cited in the previous sentence.

The average electricity rate in Auburn, WA in September 2024 is 13.93¢ per kWh.

In Auburn, a typical electricity user's electricity requirements should be fully accounted for by a solar panel system with a production capacity of 10 kW or more. Upfront, a 10 kWsolar system costs around $32,500, with the 30% tax credit, the price drops to $22,750.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Auburn

On the left side below, the cost breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Auburn is displayed. Of course, with a bigger solar system, you will have a larger initial investment, but the rewards are higher electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, displayed in the calculator below and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $121.27 in Auburn. Adjust the $121.27 to fit your average bill payment for more precise outcomes.

System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $909 a year
Est. Price
$13,650
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,494 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $76
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.89 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 41 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,206 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,061 a year
Est. Price
$15,925
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $88
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.04 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 48 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,574 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,212 a year
Est. Price
$18,200
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,659 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $101
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.19 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 55 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,941 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,364 a year
Est. Price
$20,475
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,741 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $114
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.34 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 61 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,309 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,515 a year
Est. Price
$22,750
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,823 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.42 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 65 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,523 mi less a year

Auburn Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant is designed to assist rural agricultural enterprises and small businesses by covering 80% to 100% of the costs associated with solar or wind turbine installations. If you think you might be in this category, we suggest verifying your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For residential solar installations, the majority of homeowners are eligible for a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. State and local governments offer various programs to promote the switch to solar energy.

Residents of Washington can access 14 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from a variety of utilities and governmental organizations.

Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption

Value:Varies

Most renewable energy systems in Washington state are at least partially exempt from sales/use tax. Qualifying technologies include solar, wind, some biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, landfill gas, and hog fuel (wood-burning.) Total exemptions are available for hog fuel systems and solar devices rated for less than 10 kW. Other systems will receive a 75% exemption applied at the time of purchase. Exemption certificates are available from the Department of Revenue and must be presented to the equipment dealer.

Renewable Energy Standard

Value:Varies

Washington first established a renewable portfolio standard in 2006 upon the passage of a statewide referendum. The most recent standard goals required at least 15% of each utility's retail electricity to be generated using renewable technology by 2020. Compliance with the standard is measured using a Renewable Energy Credit system pegging one megawatt hour of electricity to a variable dollar amount. Utilities may generate credits using their own renewable facilities or purchase them from customers through tariff programs. Should a utility fail to meet its standard quota, it will be fined for each credit it is deficient. Utilities are exempt from the standard if they do not have load growth or if renewable energy investment would not be cost-effective.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

Distributed generation and interconnection practices in Washington state have been standardized since 2007. All private utilities are subject to the standards; local public utilities and cooperatives are exempt. Each new renewable energy system to be interconnected will be assigned one of three regulatory Tiers. A system's Tier determines the IEEE/UL/NEC standards it must follow and the rigor of the permit process, including application fees and turnaround times. Tier 1 ends at 25 kW, while Tier 2 ends at 500 kW. External disconnect switches are required for systems at or above Tier 2. Utilities may require customers to carry liability insurance or a minimum warranty for their system.

Green Building and Energy Reduction Standards for State Agencies

Value:Varies

Since 2005, new state buildings and public remodeling projects in Washington state have been required to follow certain green building standards. Any new occupied public building at least 25,000 square feet in size must meet the requirements for LEED Silver certification and pursue formal accreditation from the US Green Building Council. Remodeling projects should incorporate as many LEED principles as possible, though they are not required to pursue formal certification. Additional information is available from the Washington Department of Enterprise Services.

Clark Public Utilities - Solar Energy Equipment Loan

Value:Varies

Residential customers of Clark Public Utilities may be eligible for special loans to fund new solar energy systems and components. The maximum available principal per loan is $30,000 at 3.5% APR. The principal determines both repayment period duration and the applicable fees and conditions. Additional information is available from the CPU website.

Grays Harbor PUD - Net Metering

Value:Varies

The Grays Harbor Public Utility District operates a unique net metering program. Credits for net excess generation are awarded at the end of each year and amount to half of the normal retail price. While the Grays Harbor program technically does not follow the letter of the state's net metering laws, customers may earn additional benefits and have a greater incentive to adopt renewable energy. Additional information is available through the utility website.

WSHFC Sustainable Energy Program

Value:Varies

The Sustainable Energy Program/Trust is a division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Residents and businesses undertaking new green construction or making energy efficiency improvements may be eligible for at least $50,000 of special financing. Interest rates of 2 - 4% are available. To qualify, a project should improve the site or entity's energy efficiency by at least 10%. Standard engineering reviews and pre/post-work energy audits apply. Additional information is available from the WSHFC website.

Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard for Affordable Housing

Value:Varies

The Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard is Washington's green building rubric tailored for new affordable housing. Standards are based on LEED and incur points for compliance. Small energy efficiency practices can earn 1 point, using renewable energy (such as solar PV) can earn five points, and exceeding the total standard will earn 15 points. New affordable housing projects should earn at least 50 points; remodeling projects should earn at least 40 points. Additional information and a copy of the standard are available from the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Renewable Energy Manufacturing Program

Value:Varies

The Sustainable Energy Program/Trust is a division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Residents and businesses undertaking new green construction or making energy efficiency improvements may be eligible for at least $50,000 of special financing. Interest rates of 2 - 4% are available. To qualify, a project should improve the site or entity's energy efficiency by at least 10%. Standard engineering reviews and pre/post-work energy audits apply. Additional information is available from the WSHFC website.

Mandatory Utility Green Power Option

Value:Varies

Washington state law requires all public or private electrical utilities with a customer base of at least 25,000 to offer green power options. Customers can purchase 100% renewable energy in fixed blocks. This energy may be derived from solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, landfill gas, or a combination of these technologies. Each customer will be notified of the green power option on a quarterly basis. Annual reports on program uptake and resources are available from the state legislature.

Tax Abatement for Solar Manufacturers

Value:Varies

In 2005, former Washington governor Christine Gregoire approved a legislative corporate tax cut for the state's solar energy device and component manufacturers. Current tax rates for these companies are at least 43% below the average liability. Tax incentives only apply to businesses producing silicon components, semiconductors, solar cells, converters, and other components directly involved in the production of photovoltaic energy. The special rates expire in 2027. Additional information is available from the Department of Revenue.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

In Washington, any renewable energy system rated for under 100 kW is eligible for net metering. All public/private utilities and cooperatives must offer interconnection and net metering to new renewable energy customers. Upon agreeing to a net metering contract, the energy system's owner will have a bidirectional meter installed to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Utilities will credit customer bills for NEG at an avoided-cost rate per kilowatt hour. Should generation exceed consumption for any given cycle, NEG credits may roll forward to subsequent months. Additional information is available from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Payment

Value:Varies

The Sustainable Energy Program/Trust is a division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Residents and businesses undertaking new green construction or making energy efficiency improvements may be eligible for at least $50,000 of special financing. Interest rates of 2 - 4% are available. To qualify, a project should improve the site or entity's energy efficiency by at least 10%. Standard engineering reviews and pre/post-work energy audits apply. Additional information is available from the WSHFC website.

Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants

Value:Varies

The Sustainable Energy Program/Trust is a division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Residents and businesses undertaking new green construction or making energy efficiency improvements may be eligible for at least $50,000 of special financing. Interest rates of 2 - 4% are available. To qualify, a project should improve the site or entity's energy efficiency by at least 10%. Standard engineering reviews and pre/post-work energy audits apply. Additional information is available from the WSHFC website.

Are solar panels worth it in Washington?

If you're planning to reside in your home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart decision in Auburn. A 5 kW solar system in Auburn, WA might save you an average of $17,729.8 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Auburn, WA

In addition to missing out on the aforementioned savings, not having solar panels or a separate backup energy source results in complete dependence on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news coverage has demonstrated that complete reliance on your utility company is not always ideal.

Generally, customers in Auburn face around 1.09 outages. Outages typically last for an average of 196 minutes. Major occurrences like overloaded power grids, tornadoes or planned maintenance can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.

A solar energy system, regardless of a backup battery, could lessen the effects of any future power interruptions you might encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in King County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Auburn, WA?

Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is higher, the price per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often realize that installing a solar system to fully cover their electric bill is a beneficial decision, resulting in the most savings.

Make & Model - Just like many products, solar panels are offered in a variety of makes and models. The system preferences of your chosen installer can make it essential to choose a highly rated company. Selecting superior quality materials generally provides a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Although the cost is more, they yield more energy. Most installers use these types of panels.

Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Sloping terrain, trees, or other impediments may complicate the installation process. By using satellite images, solar installers these days can evaluate your home and incorporate these elements into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs associated with the different wages given by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Companies paying more to their employees typically get higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the location, permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation price. Quality local installers will integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Auburn?

A&R Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 707-9937

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Douglass Colony Group

Commerce City, CO(877) 288-0650

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 220-0778

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Elemental Energy

Portland, OR(503) 967-5786

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Whidbey Sun & Wind

Coupeville, WA(360) 678-7131

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Whidbey Sun and Wind

Coupeville, WA(360) 678-7131

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Northwest Electric & Solar

Kenmore, WA(206) 356-0601

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Puget Sound Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 706-1931

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Sunergy Systems

Seattle, WA(206) 279-0493

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Auburn, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Auburn, WA as of September, 2024 is $3.25/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Auburn, WA, after deducting federal tax credits, is $11,375.

  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Washington are offering 14 rebates and incentives at this time. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.

  • Cash payments result in the greatest savings, but numerous financing options for solar panels that are financially advantageous are now available. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be included in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Auburn, WA is 8 years, with expected savings of $17,729.8 on electricity over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-09-01